Alcohol is a never-ending topic of debate within the world of nutrition, every other day a new article is released disputing the last.
As a professional Nutritionist, I can’t say I would ever recommend it as part of a diet, but as a human being, it is a part of my lifestyle like many other people. So before working out the best route let's answer some of those burning questions about alcohol:
Does it have any nutritional value?
Can moderate consumption be included as part of a healthy eating plan?
Is it a hindrance to the achievement of weight loss goals?
Starting at the basics, alcohol contains many calories, it is the 2nd highest calorie-containing product coming in at 7kcal per gram. But these calories have no nutritional value and can be considered as ‘empty calories’. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t include alcohol in your normal lifestyle as long as you remember that it's ‘empty’ calories, which can contribute to weight gain. You should always be aware that some drinks have as many calories as the food you would consume in a whole meal!
In my experience, it is important to create a plan which will help you achieve a healthy lifestyle and the weight loss goals you have set yourself. Therefore, when considering a healthy diet plan, you should make an allowance for the limited consumption of alcohol if you wish it to remain a part of your regular lifestyle.
So, the simple advice is that alcohol has no nutritional value, but moderate consumption could be included in a healthy eating plan when advised correctly. However, you always have to bear in mind that even moderate consumption of alcohol can contribute to weight gain.
Here are a few tips to think about –
Take care to ensure that you know exactly how much alcohol you are drinking
Take every opportunity to dilute alcoholic drinks with low-calorie soft drinks or water
Opt for smaller measures – pints to half-pints, smaller wine glasses, etc.
Try to avoid sweet wines and sweet ciders which will typically have more calories
Look for drinks with a lower ABV (alcohol by volume) rating - the lower the ABV, the lower the alcohol content and, typically, the lower the calorie count.
If you would like to learn more about the effect of alcohol on your dietary and weight loss plans, get in touch today. We can then work together on the behavioural aspects of food and discipline which will enable me to provide you with a tailor-made plan and constant support as you work towards your target and goals.
Cheers!!